for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What Wisdom is saying here is that truth isn't just something she says, but something she thinks and cherishes. The original language hints that "mouth" actually refers to her "palate," suggesting that even her thoughts and reflections are seasoned with truth, and falsehood is utterly repulsive to her very being. This isn't just about avoiding lies, but about a deep-seated adherence to what is right and true.
for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Wisdom, personified here as a divine speaker, is calling out to everyone, urging them to listen. Before this verse, Wisdom emphasizes the purity and clarity of her message, which is grounded in what is true and righteous. This sets the stage for her to declare that her words are entirely trustworthy, unlike the deceit and corruption associated with wickedness.
What if the very act of speaking truth felt as natural and satisfying as a favorite meal? Wisdom describes its words this way.
The verse uses a fascinating image: "my mouth will utter truth." The original Hebrew word here, 'hagah,' doesn't just mean to speak; it means to meditate, to mutter, or to ponder. Imagine someone deeply engrossed, quietly repeating something to themselves, savoring it.
This isn't about just getting the facts right. It's about truth being so ingrained in Wisdom's very being that it's constantly on its 'palate,' a constant, delightful consideration.
Think about it: this isn't a forced pronouncement, but an internal disposition. Truth isn't a burden for Wisdom; it's a delicious food, something that is constantly being turned over and considered with joy. This reflects the character of God – His Word is pure, and His very nature is truth.
Wisdom doesn't just avoid wickedness; it finds it utterly repulsive. What does this deep aversion tell us about the nature of true wisdom?
The verse powerfully states, 'wickedness is an abomination to my lips.' The word 'abomination' here signifies something intensely detestable, something offensive to the highest degree.
This isn't a casual dislike. It's a profound moral revulsion. For Wisdom, uttering wickedness – especially lies, which are the opposite of truth – is unthinkable. It’s not just wrong; it’s disgusting.
This speaks volumes about the character of true wisdom, personified here. It is fundamentally opposed to anything that is corrupt, deceitful, or harmful. Its purity means it cannot tolerate or participate in the morally repulsive.
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This rejection of wickedness, particularly falsehood, is a hallmark of Christ Himself. He is the Truth, and the father of lies has no part in Him.
Understand the original words
’ĕmeṯ · Hebrew Noun
Refers to that which is factually accurate, reliable, and consistent with God’s own reality. It is the opposite of falsehood and is a foundational attribute of God Himself.
tô‘ēḇâ · Hebrew Noun
Refers to something morally detestable or loathsome, especially in the sight of God. It often describes practices or attitudes that are incompatible with holiness and contradict God's covenant.
This passage directly echoes Proverbs 8:7 by having Jesus declare Himself as 'the way, and the truth, and the life,' highlighting the intrinsic connection between truth and divine wisdom.
Colossians 2:3Paul speaks of Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, reinforcing the idea that true wisdom, as presented in Proverbs 8, is found in Him and is inherently truthful.
Titus 1:2This verse speaks of God promising eternal life 'before the ages began,' and that He 'cannot lie,' underscoring the absolute truthfulness of God and His wisdom, which aligns with the abhorrence of wickedness and falsehood in Proverbs 8:7.
Psalm 119:163The Psalmist's declaration 'I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law' mirrors the sentiment of Proverbs 8:7, showing a deep personal revulsion to wickedness and a commitment to truth.
bensonProverbs 8:7: "For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips."
Proverbs 8:7-10 . For my mouth shall speak truth — Hebrew, יהגה , shall meditate, that is, shall speak, not rashly and hastily, but what I have well considered and digested. Wickedness is an abomination, &c. — I hate to speak it; therefore you may be assured I shall not deceive you. All the words of my mouth — All my precepts, promises, threatenings; are in righteousness — Are perfectly just and holy, a…
clarkeProverbs 8:7: "For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips."
My mouth shall speak truth - Truth, without falsity, or any mixture of error, shall be the whole matter of my discourse.
What Wisdom is saying here is that truth isn't just something she says, but something she thinks and cherishes. The original language hints that "mouth" actually refers to her "palate," suggesting that even her thoughts and reflections are seasoned with truth, and falsehood is utterly repulsive to her very being. This isn't just about avoiding lies, but about a deep-seated adherence to what is right and true.
Wisdom, personified here as a divine speaker, is calling out to everyone, urging them to listen. Before this verse, Wisdom emphasizes the purity and clarity of her message, which is grounded in what is true and righteous. This sets the stage for her to declare that her words are entirely trustworthy, unlike the deceit and corruption associated with wickedness.
Wisdom, personified here as a divine speaker, is calling out to everyone, urging them to listen. Before this verse, Wisdom emphasizes the purity and clarity of her message, which is grounded in what is true and righteous. This sets the stage for her to declare that her words are entirely trustworthy, unlike the deceit and corruption associated with wickedness.
"for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips." — What Wisdom is saying here is that truth isn't just something she says, but something she thinks and cherishes. The original language hints that "mouth" actually refers to her "palate," suggest…
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Last reviewed October 2026